Report

Spectacular weather greeted week 3 of the Low-Key Hillclimbs as we embarked on a somewhat experimental climb: Portola State Park Road.

First, I want to thank the Open Space rangers for accommodating Low-Key with our week-to-go request for a permit to meet in the parking lot. There was some change of plans from our original, but it all worked out nicely in the end. If we return to this venue, we'll have things ironed out well in advance.

After a slightly, but only slightly chilly descent to the Portola State Park boundary, the Low-Key hoard set off for what's a first-ever climb for the series. This one had plenty of character: the alternating steep and gradual sections of the park road, then the much gentler West Alpine Road. Shifting and pacing became important, as did balancing efforts on the steeper sections with those on the more gradual sections.

The big group split up quickly as Portola State Park Road confronted riders immediately with steep grades: riders who forgot to shift out of their big rings after the descent to the start line immediately regretted their error. As usual, Bill Bushnell rode his hybrid electric at a pace even Contador could follow only under the influence of the finest Spanish beef. But behind Bill, Tracy Colwell started quickly followed by a group including Tim Clark, Kieran Sherlock, Brian Edwards, James Porter, Carl Nielson, and Rich Hill. One by one, however, riders fell off the pace, until only Tracy, Kieran, and Carl remained. Then it was only Tracy, who went on to cross the line alone, with Kieran and Carl 25 and 33 seconds behind.

Among the women, Janet Martinez scored strongly for the Sisters and Misters of No Mercy, finishing first. Karis McFarlane and Laura Egley were second and third.

Ruth and Marco Palmeri were back on their tandem this week. This was a tough one for a tandem, with the frequent shifting on the staircase climb requiring a well-coordinated pair. But Ruth and Marco are well-known in the Bay area for their expert tandem-riding, so were obviously up to the challenge. They take the lead in the overall tandem ranking.

In the juniors, Skyler Colwell continued his impressive run, showing he's not afraid of the steep stuff and moving into the overall junior points lead for the 2010 Low-Key series. He's also leading the Endurance standings.

Team Low-Key scored #1 this week, moving into second place in the overall rankings. Western Wheelers was a close second on the week, holding on to their first place overall, while the Sisters and Misters of No Mercy finished third to stay a close third in the overall.

Thanks again to our great volunteers this week for making a very challenging climb go so smoothly!

Added note: Carlos Reyes, who missed out on registration, rode the climb on his own and self-timed at an "off-the-record" 28:46.